Man arrested following vehicle interferences in Watford

Following numerous reports of an individual recently trying car door handles in and around West Watford, officers have worked quickly to make an arrest.

A man aged in his sixties from Watford was arrested on suspicion of vehicle interference, theft from a vehicle and theft of a pedal cycle this morning (Friday 7 June). He remains in custody at this time.

Inspector Dan Jones, from the Watford Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “I’d like to thank all the members of the public who called in to report suspicious behaviour which led to this arrest.

“Our officers have been proactively patrolling parts of West Watford, particularly around the Kingswood and Garston areas.

“Officers have been trying hundreds of car door handles to help prevent residents from being future victims of crime. Over 30 vehicles had been left unlocked on one evening alone, meaning these were a prime target for opportunistic thieves.

“Please ensure your vehicle is locked at all times, your valuables are removed when the car is left unattended and that any suspicious activity is reported immediately.”

To keep your vehicle safe, please consider the following advice:

• Lock your car whenever it is left unattended and keep it in a garage when parked at night if possible.
• Never leave your vehicle unattended with the engine running, even if you are only absent for a moment.
• When using a garage is not possible, park close to fences, walls or a kerb with the exhaust being closest to the fence, wall or kerb to make catalytic converter theft difficult.
• Consider fitting CCTV covering your home and driveway, to help deter thieves.
• Use PIR or LED security lighting to make your vehicle more visible and this can also act as a deterrent.
• If your catalytic converter is bolted on, consider having the bolts welded to make removal difficult.
• Fit protective coverings on catalytic converters, such as the Toyota manufactured CATLOC device, (these are made for Toyota Prius made between 2004 and 2009) as these can make it much more difficult for thieves.
• Have your catalytic converter etched or forensically marked and put stickers in the windscreen to say this has been done.
• Look for car parks with a Secured Car Park sign which have recognised levels of security.
• Noisy gravel on your drive can help deter a would-be thief, as they don’t want to alert you to their approach.
• Never leave valuable items or tools on display in your vehicle as this may encourage a thief to break in.

How to protect your keyless entry car:

• When at home keep your car key (and the spare) well away from the car.
• Put the keys in a screened or signal-blocking pouch, such as a Faraday Bag and check if the bag or pouch is still working every few months.
• Reprogramme your keys if you buy a second-hand car.
• Turn off wireless signals on your fob when it's not being used.

For more crime prevention advice, visit our website.

If you witness any suspicious activity around cars, vans or motorcycles, please call 999 straight away. Officers would rather attend to discover that everything is in order, than miss an opportunity to catch a potential offender.

If you have any information about vehicle crime you can report it online, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101.

Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form.

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